Deadline: November 28, 2025
The Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025-2026 offers an incredible opportunity for doctoral students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to undertake a fully funded short-term placement at the prestigious Imperial College London. This fellowship aims to foster international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among early-career researchers from developing regions.
About the Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025-2026
The Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025-2026 provides selected PhD students from eligible countries the chance to spend 2–4 months at Imperial College London. Fellows will engage in collaborative research and gain exposure to world-class academic and research environments, contributing to the advancement of their doctoral work.
This initiative forms part of Imperial’s commitment to equitable global partnerships, aiming to empower emerging researchers and strengthen research links between Imperial and institutions in the Global South.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a current PhD student enrolled at an institution located in a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Lower Middle-Income Country (LMIC) as defined by the OECD’s ODA-eligible list.
- Must have completed at least 12 months of PhD study by the time the placement begins.
- Must demonstrate how the proposed placement will contribute to the advancement of their doctoral research.
Placement Duration and Timeline
- Duration: 2 to 4 months.
- Start date: Placements must commence in March 2026.
- End date: All placements must be completed by 31 July 2026.
This flexible duration allows fellows to plan their research stay around their academic commitments while maximizing collaboration opportunities at Imperial.
Fellowship Benefits
The Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025-2026 is fully funded, covering all essential costs associated with the placement. Fellows will receive:
- A monthly stipend of £1,900 to cover living expenses during the placement period.
- A one-time arrival payment of £200.
- Return economy class travel from the home country to the UK.
- Visa application fee and biometric enrolment costs.
These comprehensive benefits ensure that selected fellows can focus fully on their academic and research experience without financial concerns.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Completed Application Form – including a lay summary of the applicant’s PhD research, a description of the proposed placement activities, and how the experience will benefit their doctoral work.
- Letter of Recommendation – from the applicant’s home institution supervisor, confirming support for the fellowship and verifying eligibility.
- Letter of Support from Imperial Supervisor – signed by the Head of Department at Imperial College London, confirming their willingness to host the applicant and supervise the placement.
Both supervisors should clearly outline the academic value and mutual benefits of the proposed placement.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted on or before November 28, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Areas of Focus and Collaboration
The fellowship encourages research and collaboration across diverse disciplines. Applicants are expected to identify and connect with a suitable host supervisor at Imperial College London whose research aligns with their doctoral focus.
Imperial offers world-leading expertise in multiple fields, providing fellows with access to advanced research facilities, training resources, and international academic networks. The experience aims to enhance the fellows’ research capacity, expand global networks, and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Applicants should reach out to potential host supervisors early to discuss mutual interests and establish a collaborative proposal.
- Fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in London. However, the stipend and arrival payment are designed to assist with living costs.
- The fellowship selection process will prioritize applicants who can demonstrate a clear alignment between their PhD research and the expertise available at Imperial College London.
Why Apply for the Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025-2026
This fellowship provides a rare opportunity to collaborate with one of the world’s top research universities while strengthening international research partnerships. Participants will benefit from mentorship, skill development, and a rich intercultural exchange that can significantly enhance their academic and professional trajectory.
The Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025-2026 not only funds your stay but also provides a supportive academic environment to advance your research and make lasting global connections.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application and submit all required documents before the deadline.
👉 Read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
